USA Rice Daily

WASHINGTON, DC- Following nine years of collaboration with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), USA Rice has reached a feasible resolution with Peru's National Service of Agrarian Health (SENASA) to fully open Peru's market to U.S. rice exports.

According to the agreement, import permits, phytosanitary certificates, and fumigation will be required and USA Rice will publicize specific technical requirements once they are finalized.

"Peru is one of those markets that has great potential for increased U.S. rice exports and we are grateful to USDA Under Secretary Ed Avalos for his work in improving market access for U.S. rice, said USA Rice Director of International Promotion Sarah Moran. "To this end, USA Rice will commence promotional activities in Peru this year, targeting importers, millers, foodservice operators, chef associations and other HRI operators."

Exports to Peru increased nearly 1,000 percent from 2013 to 2014 and there is now potential for increased exports. The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA), which was implemented in 2009, allows for 104,970 milled tons (MT) of U.S. rice to enter Peru duty free in 2015.